NAN-H-8
Delay
By Ehigimetor Igbaugba
Benin, Feb. 27, 2017 (NAN) The Chief Magistrate of Evbuoriaria Magistrate Court in Benin, Mr F. O. Idiake, has threatened to throw out a case of stealing brought before it, should there be another delay of the case.
Idiake issued the threat when the case of alleged stealing against Mr Gaius Alohan, 34, and Osadolor Okundia, 49, came up for hearing on Monday.
The two accused, with another, Mr Ozigi Benesima (still at large), were brought to court on a six- count charge of stealing.
The accused were currently on bail after they pleaded not guilty when they were first arraigned on Nov. 15, 2016.
The prosecutor, Mr A E. Obakpolor, who had filed an oral application for adjournment during the arraignment, did same when the matter came up for hearing on Monday, to the resent of counsels to the two respondents.
Counsel to Alohan, Mr A E. Odiase urged the court to refuse the plea for another adjournment by the prosecutor.
Odiase said that the case should be withdrawn if the prosecutor has no case against his client.
Similarly, Counsel to Okundia, Mr E I. Etsenamhe said the court “is not a dumping ground and should not be turned to one with consistent adjournment by the prosecutor’’.
In his response, the Chief Magistrate urged the prosecutor to put his house in order as he would no longer grant another adjournment on the case.
Idiake subsequently, warned that he would not hesitate to throw out the case should there be call for another adjournment.
The accused are being tried on a six-count charge bordering on alleged stealing which they committed at the Evbuoriaria Magistrate District, on May 3, 2016. (NAN)
ESI/EOB/AJA
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(Edited by Edith Bolokor/Adeleye Ajayi)